To: SkillsUSA Advisors
From: Rich Hemler
Re: SkillsUSA Welding Contest
The 2024 SkillsUSA welding contest is fast approaching. The welding chairs will be sending out more information closer to the contest with specifics regarding busses, schedule, and contest details. The purpose of this letter is to let advisors know what we expect from your individual contestant.
In previous years, contestants would enter the contest never having attempted a process or a weld. This creates a couple of issues for the chairs, lab assistants, and the judges. First and foremost, it is a safety issue. The first time a young person attempts some of these welds should not be in a contest setting. This puts the lab assistants and judges in a very awkward situation. They need to help the contestants so they are safe, but it is a contest and they should really have this background before entering the contest. In addition, this is a very competitive contest and many students statewide are not given the opportunity to compete because of the numbers in the contest.
This year, about one month out, we will be sharing this year's prints. Be sure your contestant would be able to complete the weldments before sending them to state.
Please take some time and consider if your Skills member is capable of completing the contest.
If you have any questions regarding this matter please be sure to contact me. Thanks for your time and let’s have a great contest this year.
Rich Hemler
Please sign and return the following document.
proof_of_training.docx | |
File Size: | 13 kb |
File Type: | docx |
General Information
Contestants will be required to wear 2 identification tags (showing contestant numbers only); one on the front of their person and one on their back for easy identification by judges. As usual, the SkillsUSA Knowledge test will serve as the contest tie breaker for the top 3 place earners.
In the unlikely event welding equipment should fail, contestants are to notify a lab proctor immediately. Minutes equal to the amount of downtime due to equipment failure will be added to the contestant’s contest time. Contestants will not be allowed to communicate to other contestants, advisors or observers at any time during the competition. Contestants may only talk to lab proctors who will assist with any needs.
Observers must stay in designated areas. Pictures may be taken from designated areas only.
Contestants will be required to turn in their copy of the welding print with their completed projects. Both prints and projects will be available for pick up after the awards ceremony at MATC. The weldments will be placed outside the welding lab. Weldments which are not claimed by the end of the next day will be discarded.
Important tip: practice reading weld symbols and print specifications. It will be important that you be able to read the print accurately during the competition.
Weld Contest Processes
The contest will include use of the welding and related processes listed below. Equipment will be pre-set to commonly used settings but the contestant may alter as they feel necessary.
- GTAW (TIG): Project to be made of stainless steel.
-SMAW (Stick): Project to be made of mild steel.
- GMAW (Wire): Project to be made of 7ga mild steel. Wire size will be .035"; shielding gas will be C-25 set at 20 CFH flow rate.
- PAC: Plasma arc cutting may be used on the steel parts of the contest weldment.
Before the contest begins contestants are to inspect their material. Judges will decide if material is unacceptable due to defect or warpage. Limited grinding may be allowed to produce the proper configuration of material. No grinding of actual welds will be allowed.
Contestants will be required to clean the lab prior to leaving the contest. Points may be deducted from the weld score if contestants leave the area without assisting in cleanup.
Evaluation
Post Competition
Projects will be available for pick up after the awards ceremony at MATC. The weldments will be placed outside the welding lab. Weldments which are not claimed by the end of the next day will be discarded. Contestants must wear official dress or business attire to accept any awards at the Awards Ceremony. Contestants should dress appropriately to accept any prizes. Donors would like pictures to be taken for publicity purposes. Except for the top three place winners, contestants (or an identifiable instructor / representative) must be present to receive prizes. The first place qualifier must attend a briefing session for the National Conference after the awards ceremony. The Welding Technical Committee will take pictures of all prize winners as well as all contestants who participated.
The Technical Committee would welcome your comments about the contest. Please be sure to send a letter or thank you card to prize sponsors. It is important for the future of this contest. Thank you cards are nice, however, a personal letter is always better.
Contestants will be required to wear 2 identification tags (showing contestant numbers only); one on the front of their person and one on their back for easy identification by judges. As usual, the SkillsUSA Knowledge test will serve as the contest tie breaker for the top 3 place earners.
In the unlikely event welding equipment should fail, contestants are to notify a lab proctor immediately. Minutes equal to the amount of downtime due to equipment failure will be added to the contestant’s contest time. Contestants will not be allowed to communicate to other contestants, advisors or observers at any time during the competition. Contestants may only talk to lab proctors who will assist with any needs.
Observers must stay in designated areas. Pictures may be taken from designated areas only.
Contestants will be required to turn in their copy of the welding print with their completed projects. Both prints and projects will be available for pick up after the awards ceremony at MATC. The weldments will be placed outside the welding lab. Weldments which are not claimed by the end of the next day will be discarded.
Important tip: practice reading weld symbols and print specifications. It will be important that you be able to read the print accurately during the competition.
Weld Contest Processes
The contest will include use of the welding and related processes listed below. Equipment will be pre-set to commonly used settings but the contestant may alter as they feel necessary.
- GTAW (TIG): Project to be made of stainless steel.
-SMAW (Stick): Project to be made of mild steel.
- GMAW (Wire): Project to be made of 7ga mild steel. Wire size will be .035"; shielding gas will be C-25 set at 20 CFH flow rate.
- PAC: Plasma arc cutting may be used on the steel parts of the contest weldment.
Before the contest begins contestants are to inspect their material. Judges will decide if material is unacceptable due to defect or warpage. Limited grinding may be allowed to produce the proper configuration of material. No grinding of actual welds will be allowed.
Contestants will be required to clean the lab prior to leaving the contest. Points may be deducted from the weld score if contestants leave the area without assisting in cleanup.
Evaluation
- All welds to be evaluated according to AWS D1.1 structural Steel Code.
- Contestants will be evaluated, in part, on safety with regard to appropriate dress and safe conduct in the lab. Proctors will note any unsafe dress and/or conduct and points may be deducted from the contestants welding score.
- Prizes, certificates and any other official information will be distributed immediately after the Awards Ceremony. Be prepared to participate in individual or group pictures.
- This year we anticipate your results of the welding competition will be available on this site.
Post Competition
Projects will be available for pick up after the awards ceremony at MATC. The weldments will be placed outside the welding lab. Weldments which are not claimed by the end of the next day will be discarded. Contestants must wear official dress or business attire to accept any awards at the Awards Ceremony. Contestants should dress appropriately to accept any prizes. Donors would like pictures to be taken for publicity purposes. Except for the top three place winners, contestants (or an identifiable instructor / representative) must be present to receive prizes. The first place qualifier must attend a briefing session for the National Conference after the awards ceremony. The Welding Technical Committee will take pictures of all prize winners as well as all contestants who participated.
The Technical Committee would welcome your comments about the contest. Please be sure to send a letter or thank you card to prize sponsors. It is important for the future of this contest. Thank you cards are nice, however, a personal letter is always better.